Cedar Lake
About Cedar Lake
Cedar Lake is a 236-acre lake near Upsala in Morrison County, Minnesota. It reaches 88 feet at its deepest point, with an average depth of about 39 feet, and has roughly 3.4 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 17.4 feet, which is exceptionally clear for Minnesota.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 15 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. Special fishing regulations apply to black crappie, northern pike, and walleye, and they override the statewide limits. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR. Cedar Lake Memorial Park Campground is mapped close to the shoreline for overnight stays. The lake is listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before leaving. Ice typically goes out around April 15, based on 25 years of DNR ice-out records.
Plan Your Visit to Cedar Lake
- 236 acres, up to 88 feet deep, near Upsala
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, and pumpkinseed
- Special fishing regulations apply here and override the statewide limits
- Average water clarity around 17.4 feet — very clear
- Camping close to the water at Cedar Lake Memorial Park Campground
- Listed as infested with zebra mussel — clean, drain and dry before you leave
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 236 acres
- Max depth
- 88 ft
- Average depth
- 39 ft
- Shoreline
- 3.4 mi
- Water clarity
- 17.4 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 66 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Camping: Cedar Lake Memorial Park Campground
Best For
- Walleye fishing
- Lakeside camping
- Quiet paddling
- Ice fishing
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 15
- Game fish
- 9
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- Yes
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Special regulations on this lake
- Black Crappie: Daily limit five.
- Northern Pike: Maximum size limit 26". Possession limit three.
- Walleye: Possession limit two.
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Ice-Out History
- Median ice-out
- April 15
- Years of record
- 25
- Earliest
- March 19, 2012
- Latest
- May 10, 2013
- Most recent
- April 25, 2022
See every lake on the ice-out tracker. Ice-out data: Minnesota DNR State Climatology Office.
Camping & Reservations
Cedar Lake Memorial Park Campground is mapped on or near Cedar Lake. Minnesota state park sites are booked through the DNR reservation system, national forest campgrounds through Recreation.gov, and most state forest campgrounds are first-come, first-served.
Campground locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Confirm details with the operator.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Cedar Lake
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Nearby Lakes
Pine Lake
61 out of 100 Lake ScoreMorrison · Upsala178 acres
1.2 miles away
Mound Lake
64 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum270 acres
2.5 miles away
Lake Mary
55 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Upsala129 acres
3.3 miles away
Bass Lake
63 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle94 acres
4.8 miles away
Buck Lake
57 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Burtrum61 acres
4.8 miles away
Twin Lake
53 out of 100 Lake ScoreTodd · Grey Eagle121 acres
5 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake is in Morrison County, Minnesota, near Upsala. It covers 236 acres and reaches 88 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Cedar Lake?
Cedar Lake covers 236 acres with about 3.4 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 88 feet and its average depth is about 39 feet.
What fish can you catch at Cedar Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, Tullibee (Cisco), and Rock Bass and other species. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Cedar Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Cedar Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Cedar Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Cedar Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Cedar Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.
Are there special fishing regulations on Cedar Lake?
Yes. Daily limit five. Maximum size limit 26". Possession limit three. Additional lake-specific rules apply; check the DNR regulations before you fish.
When does the ice go out on Cedar Lake?
The median ice-out date is April 15, from 25 years of Minnesota DNR records. The earliest on record is March 19, 2012 and the latest is May 10, 2013.
Can you camp at Cedar Lake?
Yes. Cedar Lake Memorial Park Campground is mapped on or near the shore. Confirm whether sites are reservable or first-come, first-served before you go.
Does Cedar Lake have invasive species?
Yes. The DNR lists Cedar Lake as infested with zebra mussel. State law requires you to clean off plants, pull the drain plug and drain all water before leaving the access.